Meteorite Crashes in Drummondville: A Rare Celestial Event Unfolds in Quebec

Image credits: Fireball Recovery and InterPlanetary Observation Network

A rare and fascinating celestial event has unfolded in the skies above Quebec, as a meteorite crashed in the region of Drummondville, leaving a trail of excitement and curiosity among astronomers and the general public. The meteorite, estimated to weigh between 30-90 grams, was detected by a network of 11 cameras belonging to the Détection et observation de météores (DOMe) project, a collaboration between the Planétarium de Montréal and amateur astronomers.

According to Auriane Egal, an astronomer at the Planétarium de Montréal, the meteorite originated from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, a region known to be a source of many meteorites. The object, also known as a bolide, entered the Earth's atmosphere at 1:18 am on Sunday, March 3, and was visible to several cameras in the network. The detection of the meteorite is a significant event, marking the first time a meteorite has been detected by the DOMe network in Quebec. The network, which became operational in 2018, consists of 11 cameras spaced 100 km apart, covering a vast area between Frelighsburg and Québec, and between Saint-George in Beauce and Montebello.

The search for the meteorite is currently underway, with amateur astronomers from the club d'astronomie amateur de Sherbrooke joining the effort. However, the search is being hindered by heavy snowfall in the region, making it challenging to locate the meteorite. The meteorite's small size, estimated to be between 30-90 grams, makes it a difficult task to find, but astronomers remain hopeful that it may be discovered if it fell on a road or a roof. The cost of the DOMe network is approximately $45,000, a relatively modest investment considering the significant scientific value it provides.

The detection of the meteorite has also sparked interest in the origins of meteorites and the asteroid belt. Most meteorites come from the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, but there are other regions in the solar system that are home to asteroids and comets, such as the Kuiper belt and the Oort cloud. The Kuiper belt, located beyond Neptune, is thought to be the source of short-period comets, while the Oort cloud, a spherical shell of icy bodies surrounding the solar system, is believed to be the source of long-period comets. The existence of these regions was first proposed by Dutch astronomers in the 1950s and has since been confirmed by observations.

In conclusion, the meteorite that crashed in Drummondville is a rare and exciting event that has captured the imagination of astronomers and the general public. As scientists continue to search for the meteorite, they are also gaining valuable insights into the origins of meteorites and the asteroid belt. The discovery of the meteorite is a testament to the importance of astronomical research and the role that amateur astronomers play in advancing our understanding of the universe.